Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

The eyes are often one of the first areas of the face to show signs of aging. At Bennett & Bloom, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is performed by Dr. Anne P. Rowland. Dr. Rowland is one of the few oculoplastic surgeons in Louisville, and has extensive training in eyelid surgery. Her exceptional qualifications allow her to consistently provide our patients with results that leave them looking naturally more youthful and refreshed.

Benefits of Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

• Improved Appearance: Removal of excess skin and fat from the upper lids and lower lids leads to a refreshed, youthful appearance.¹
• Improved Eye Makeup Application: A smoother, firmer eyelid surface allows for easier and more aesthetic makeup application.
• Reduced Bags Under Eyes: Removal or repositioning of fat diminishes the appearance of under eye bags.
• Reduced Puffiness: Addressing excess skin and fat reduces the appearance of puffiness.
• Decreased Shadows and Dark Circles: Under eye shadows and dark circles are reduced, resulting in brighter eyes and a more youthful appearance.

Who is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

If any of the following points resonate with you, you may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty:

• No matter how well rested you are, you still look tired
• Saggy skin around your eyes makes you look sad or angry
• Loose skin and wrinkles around your eyelids make you look older
• You haven’t been able to achieve sufficient results with eye creams and topical treatments
• Droopy eyelid skin impedes your vision

Good candidates for blepharoplasty are in good overall health and not affected by conditions such as:

• Glaucoma
• Dry Eye
• Thyroid conditions
• Detached retina
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure

The best way to determine whether eyelid surgery is right for you is to attend a consultation with our experienced oculoplastic surgeon ,Dr. Anne Rowland.

Functional Eyelid Surgery

For some patients, droopy excess eyelid skin is more than a cosmetic concern. When sagging eyelid skin, or ptosis, descends over the eyes, a functional blepharoplasty may be performed to restore a clear field of vision. For patients whose vision is impacted by eyelid ptosis, insurance may cover blepharoplasty as a medically necessary treatment.

 Benefits of Functional Eyelid Surgery

• Restored Visual Field: Removing obstructions from the peripheral vision enhances one’s ability to see clearly.²
• Comfort: Alleviating the burden of excessive skin or malpositioned eyelids can enhance comfort and reduce fatigue.
• Improved Eye Protection: Correcting eyelid position ensures better protection for the cornea and sclera from environmental factors.
• Enhanced Blinking Mechanism: Ensuring the eyelids can fully close and blink comfortably supports healthy eye function and lubrication.

Preparing for Your Eyelid Surgery

The key to feeling well-prepared for your eyelid surgery is to attend a consultation with a surgeon you trust. During your consultation, oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Anne Rowland will listen carefully to your concerns and she will educate you about the benefits of eyelid surgery and what can be realistically achieved through blepharoplasty. If you are deemed a good candidate for eyelid lift following an examination and review of your medical history, your procedure will be scheduled and you will receive detailed pre- and postoperative instructions.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure: What to Expect

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation with local anesthesia. 

For an upper eyelid lift, incisions are made in the natural creases of the upper eyelid. To begin a lower eyelid lift, incisions are made just below the lash line or inside of the eyelids (this is called transconjunctival blepharoplasty). Excess fat and skin are removed, then the underlying muscles are tightened before the incisions are closed with sutures.³

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Following eyelid surgery, patients can expect to experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort for the first week or two. You will be advised to use cold compresses to manage swelling and to keep your head elevated while you sleep to promote effective healing. It is important to protect your eyes during the healing process, so you should use lubricating eye drops and take great care to shield your eyes from wind and sunlight. 

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work within one week of their blepharoplasty. During your follow-up appointment, Dr. Rowland will let you know when you can get back to more strenuous activities.

The results of your eye lift will become increasingly visible as swelling subsides, and will continue to improve over the course of the following months.

¹ Mayo Clinic. Blepharoplasty. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blepharoplasty/about/pac-20385174. Accessed October 13, 2023.
² American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eyelid Surgery. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/eyelid-surgery. Accessed October 13, 2023.
³ UCSF Health. Eyelid Surgery. Available: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/treatments/eyelid-surgery. Accessed October 13, 2023.
⁴ Oestreicher J, Mehta S. Complications of blepharoplasty: prevention and management. Plast Surg Int. 2012;2012:252368. doi: 10.1155/2012/252368. Epub 2012 May 8. PMID: 22655191; PMCID: PMC3357590. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22655191/. Accessed October 13, 2023.